Decorating the Country Home

A country home is welcoming.

Decorating the country home implies creating a rustic environment that deviates from contemporary interior design. Using your home's architecture can provide a wealth of inspiration. Decorate to complement the history of the home or use contemporary design elements to provide a luxurious setting. It is important to establish a strong central theme in order to reduce any chaotic style choices that may arise if trying to incorporate too many design ideas.

Paint

Historically, many people have painted their country home in earth-toned colors to complement the natural surroundings. For example, red, brown and mustard colors are extremely popular to use for Victorian country homes. At the other end of the spectrum are vibrant colored homes that pop in the scenic landscape. It is important for the exterior and interior paint to coincide with any central theme. Use the colors in the landscape or garden for interior wall color.

Focal Points

Focal points in a home's rooms draw the eye to one dramatic decorated area. Country homes could have such focal points as brightly patterned bedspreads or dark wood furniture. Because country designed homes are rustic in nature, your focal point can be an impressive antique. Choose one focal point or design element and coordinate the rest of the room with smaller decorations. For example, use a vivid patterned bedspread that incorporates a natural element like leaves with smaller framed prints of trees.

Lighting

Lighting creates mood and ambiance. Country homes differ from contemporary homes, because they rarely use harsh or bright lights. Chandeliers and table and floor lamps are more common than track or spot lighting. Take great care when picking out a chandelier. It should not overwhelm the room or dining table with its size; however, it should not be too small and seem swallowed up by the room. The chandelier can reinforce the natural theme by its decorations or with the materials used to make it; wood, wrought iron and antlers are popular chandelier types for country homes.

Kitchens

Kitchens are often the hot spot in country homes. Numerous country home owners will include a small breakfast table, high rise table or nook eating spot using wood accents and colorful fabrics. Use cast iron pans both for cooking and as decoration. Country home kitchens embrace the thin line between showcasing the many cooking utensils and spices it takes to make dishes and clutter. One of the best approaches is to organize cookware and keep as much as you can off countertops. See-through cabinet doors show off dishes without looking disorganized.

Flooring

The majority of country homes have wood flooring. Keep the wood floors looking their best longer and provide cushioning by using area rugs. To pick out country-looking area rugs, make a swatch to take with you of the wall color and stain used on the floors. Pick a rug that uses some of these colors, but will not detract the eye from the natural beauty of the floors. Wool, cotton or burlap rugs can be used in high-traffic areas.